The Innovator category, is reserved for more experienced businesspeople those who are willing to establish a business in the UK.

What does the applicant need?
Endorsement from an Endorsing Body.
The criteria for this type of endorsement are similar to those for the Start-up category, although we expect successful applicants to be assessed in line with their greater levels of skill and experience.

Applicants are required to show a minimum of £50,000 available to invest in their business, which has to be verified by the Endorsing Body. (Note that this funding does not have to come from their endorsing body, although some endorsing bodies may choose to offer it)
Additionally, the applicant is required to demonstrate maintenance funds available for themselves and their dependants.

Can the successful applicant work to support themselves?
Successful applicants (Innovators) will be granted leave for 3 years at a time and can bring their family members to the UK. After 3 years, Innovators can apply to extend their stay for a further 3 years or to settle permanently in the UK. Each of these 3 stages (initial application, extension, settlement) requires endorsement from an Endorsing Body.

It is a requirement for Innovators to work entirely on developing their business ventures and are not allowed take on other employment outside of their business. This includes anything which effectively amounts to employment, such as using their own business to hire out their labour to another employer.

Although the Endorsing Bodies have been nominated, so far very few of them, if any, are actually geared up to scrutinise and endorse projects.

Our chambers will be able to assist individuals willing to opt for this route, with preparing applications.